England back in Scotland next year

Published on Thursday 24 September 2009 22:43

ENGLAND'S star-studded cricketers are to return to Scotland for a one-day international next summer.

Cricket Scotland and the England and Wales Cricket Board announced yesterday that the two countries will meet for the second time in three seasons following the inaugural game held at the Grange, Edinburgh, in 2008.

England released their fixture list for 2010 and the inclusion of a clash with Scotland on Saturday, 19 June, is another boost for cricket fans north of the border. In recent years, some of the biggest names in the sport have been lured to Scotland: Australia visited in 2005 and again last year, Pakistan played here in 2006 and 2007, India also played in Scotland in 2007, while New Zealand and England were here in 2008.

Scotland's full fixture list for 2010 will not be confirmed for some time yet, but the agreed visit of the England side to Scotland is sure to be the highlight of the home international season.

"This is great news, and we are delighted that England will visit Scotland again next year for the second official ODI between the two sides," said Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland's chief executive.

"The all-round support we receive from the ECB is fantastic, not only with the visit of their national side, but also their assistance with our national development programmes. With the game taking place on a Saturday in June, I am sure that we will get a bumper crowd to support the Scotland side."

Ticketing details will be announced at a future date, but it is expected Citylets Grange in Edinburgh will again play host to the match and that domestic league fixtures in Scotland will be postponed.

The last time England and Scotland met – on 18 August, 2008 – the weather put a damper on proceedings. With a pipe band and First Minister Alex Salmond in attendance, Ryan Watson's Scotland side posted 156 for nine, with Gavin Hamilton notching an impressive 60. But the match was abandoned with Kevin Pietersen's England side sitting on 10-0.